Sway Ventures

Sway Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, with additional offices in La Jolla and London. Since its founding in 2008, Sway Ventures has been dedicated to investing in early-stage technology companies that show the potential to lead in their industries. The firm’s focus spans four core sectors: finance, real estate, retail, and supply chain technologies. Sway Ventures often acts as a company’s first investor, writing initial checks at the pre-seed or seed stages. Their support extends well beyond capital—Sway takes an active role in helping startups scale through strategic advice, revenue generation, and talent acquisition. The firm’s value-add services include aiding in channel development, funnel execution, and introducing companies to OEM brands, which accelerates their growth and market penetration. Sway’s portfolio features more than 65 investments, with notable successes like OpenGov, which was acquired by Cox Enterprises at a $1.8 billion valuation in 2024. The firm also had successful exits with companies like Surf Air Mobility and Measurabl. The investment team, led by partners such as Brian Nugent and Lani Nguyen, combines deep entrepreneurial experience with a hands-on approach to mentoring founders. Their network of advisors across sectors such as fintech, proptech, and retail further supports the startups they back, ensuring companies have the resources and guidance to succeed at every stage of growth.